9 Best Lightweight Tennis Shoes

Playing tennis at a high-level means that most are looking for any advantage possible. One way to lose some of the excess weight is to opt for lightweight tennis shoes so that the feet don’t feel as tired out.

Of course, they also need to be supportive enough so that a person feels confident in the way they move, but companies keep that in mind all the time.

There are plenty of shoes to pick from, but the nine below are lightweight, performance-based solutions for all types of players.

Here’s a breakdown of our 9 picks, and how much they weight (based on 10.5 sizes).

Tennis Shoe Ounces Grams
Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 3 14.3 405
Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 13.5 382
Asics Solution Speed FF  12.3 348
Asics Solution Speed FF 2 11.6 328
Head Sprint Pro 3.0 SF 12.8 362
Lotto Mirage 100 12.6 357
Nike Air Zoom Vapor X 13.6 385
Nike Air Zoom Prestige  13.1 371
KSwiss Hypercourt Supreme 13.1 371

1. Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 3

  • 14.3 ounces / 405g (Feels much lighter)

With the Adidas adizero Ubersonic 3, people know that they have a lightweight shoe right away.

Even though the numbers might show that there are many shoes in the market, this one plays perfectly for people who want to be fast around the court. Not only that, but it is very easy to step in and use right away, offering a great and adaptable fit.

There is a reason why these shoes are still on the market today. Despite the Ubersonic 4 now out in several colors, a lot of players love the look and feel of this shoe just as much (or even more).

Pros

  • Playable right out of the box
  • Discounted prices at many retailers
  • Solid ventilation

Cons

  • Toe area is vulnerable for draggers

2. Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4

  • 13.5 ounces / 382g

There are a few design differences with the Adidas Ubersonic 4 compared to the 3. Many people believe that it is a slight upgrade, but it is pretty much the same type of shoe overall. It will hold up well in many different settings, and that low to the ground feel remains something that a lot of people really enjoy.

Is there any considerable upgrade from the 3? Some people like the new cushioning system, as the Lightstrike cushioning offers great support and comfort.

Traction has also improved a bit, but some are still frustrated that they wear out a little too quickly. Since this is one of Adidas’ flagship shoes, they are always releasing new colorways to stay looking sharp.

Pros

  • New cushioning system is a hit for some
  • Colorways are releasing every new season
  • Traction is improved

Cons

  • Not a ton of changes compared to the Ubersonic 3
  • Durability is still not great

3. Asics Solution Speed FF 

  • 12.3 ounces / 348g

Just like the Adidas Ubersonics, there are two options from Asics to make this list. The Asics Solution Speed FF is a little bit cheaper because of the release date, but there are some other differences as well.

This was the first one to really refine the Gel Solution speed series and include FlyteFoam cushioning for a great feel. It is a low to the ground shoe that works well on all surfaces, maximizing movement while still giving plenty of stability.

One of the bigger standout features of the Asics Solution Speed FF is that it offers amazing support for different feet. In some cases, lightweight shoes are hard to wear for certain individuals. That doesn’t seem to be the case at all with the Asics Solution Speed FF, as narrow and wide feet have found a way to get that supportive feel without feeling uncomfortable.

Pros

  • Outstanding cushioning
  • Low to the ground feel
  • Added stability and support

Cons

  • Getting tougher and tougher to find in stores and online
  • Color choices aren’t as nice as the newer options

4. Asics Solution Speed FF 2

  • 11.6 ounces / 328g

The current shoe of choice for many pros right now is the Asics Solution Speed FF 2. They have built on the very popular Asics Solution Speed FF to make things just a little bit more well-rounded, and the general reception has been good.

Additional support and stability really make a difference, cutting down on the amount of blowouts that people might experience if they wear them for too long.

From a weight perspective, there is a pretty significant change from the Solution Speed FF to the Solution Speed FF 2. About half an ounce has been added, but that is mostly to help with the stability overall.

It doesn’t really feel any heavier on foot because it hugs closely to a person’s foot. That is because of the Twisstruss System that helps with stability and allows people to make aggressive cuts all around the court.

Pros

  • Feels lighter than the listed weight
  • Easy to slide with
  • Good support

Cons

  • Non-grippy sole might not work for some
  • Not a ton of color choices currently

5. Head Sprint Pro 3.0 SF

  • 12.8 ounces / 362g

Head does as much as possible to make this a perfect combination of being lightweight and durable. It is built for top-level players who know that they are going to make a lot of aggressive moves on the court, but they don’t want to fear the chance of their shoes blowing out.

Every little ounce counts, and weighing in at 12.8 ounces makes this one of the lightest options for people to count on every single match.

Another reason why this always feels light is that it does a great job with ventilation. There is some soft fabric material on the forefoot, and ventilation in the shank as well. It is very hard for people to feel overheated when they wear these shoes, so keep that in mind if others are not living up to expectations.

Take note that these shoes are a bit tough to get the sizing right, as the length is generally short. To offset that, going up half a size or even a full size might be the best way to go. It really just depends on how snug a person wants the shoe, but other than that, it’s a pretty seamless buying process.

Pros

  • The lightest, performance-based option from Head
  • Super fabric material in the forefoot is very comfortable

Cons

  • A little expensive
  • Fit is a little tricky

6. Lotto Mirage 100

  • 12.6 ounces / 357g

Tennis players sometimes overlook Lotto as a brand that they can count on. They might not be the trendiest brand out there, but the Mirage 100 is a great performer for those wanting something lightweight.

It comes in at around 12.6 ounces, and feels extremely lightweight in actual gameplay. Top pros without a sponsorship deal have given these shoes a try and fallen in love with them, so much so that other leading companies have borrowed some attributes. 

What players get is a lightweight shoe that is also extremely stable. There is no wasted material to weigh a player down, perfect for those who just care about performance. They also tend to be pretty inexpensive, as Lotto doesn’t charge that same type of premium that other companies do for their tennis shoes.

All the colors available for the Lotto Mirage are pretty basic, so that’s about the only letdown someone might have when shopping around. Other than that, they have plenty to choose from that should get people excited about wearing a new type of shoes.

Pros

  • Very solid cushioning
  • Above-average traction
  • Feels even lighter than the listed weight

Cons

  • Limited color choices
  • Brand is not as well-known as others out there

7. Nike Air Zoom Vapor X

  • 13.6 ounces / 385g

Nike is known for being in the forefront when it comes to lightweight shoes. The Nike Air Zoom Vapor X have been the most popular tennis shoe among pro players for many years and its popularity at the recreational level is hard to compare any other shoe on the market with.

Many people love that they get lightweight, yet still pretty durable compared to other shoes in this category. One of the complaints about lightweight shoes from Nike is that they do not have the best durability, which makes them very costly in the long run.

However, if we only talk about how it performs on court, the Vapor X is my favorite tennis shoe right now. With that said, they usually don’t last longer than a year (in my experience). You can read our full review of the Vapor X in this post.

Pros

  • Comfort
  • Modern looking
  • Most popular tennis shoe on the ATP Tour

Cons

  • Durability is not great
  • Cushioning could be slightly better

8. Nike Air Zoom Prestige 

  • 13.1 ounces / 371g

When the Nike Air Zoom Prestige first released, some thought that it was too much of a knockdown in quality to actually be a worthwhile shoe.

It’s based largely on the very popular vapor line, but some differences make people hesitant. The same type of materials used for the Vapor line has been cut back a bit, which is frustrating for some who loved the setup of those so much.

The good news is that this is an option for people who are not too hard on them for a lightweight shoe. The Nike Air Zoom Prestige is pretty basic, but still performs well enough for hardcore players to feel comfortable moving around.

Pros

  • Affordably priced
  • Classic and modern colors
  • Reminds many of the Vapor line

Cons

  • Lacks high-end materials
  • Takes a little time to break-in

9. KSwiss Hypercourt Supreme

  • 13.1 ounces / 371g

People who have tried many different KSwiss options have really loved what this company brings to the table as far as lightweight shoes are concerned. The KSwiss Hypercourt Supreme might be the best of the bunch, as they have cut weight and made it very valuable for players who want a lot of speed.

A lot of other KSwiss shoe models are notoriously known for not being the best as far as weight is concerned. These are the exception to the rule, and have turned into a favorite amongst professional players in some regard as well.

There is not too much going on with the look of the shoes, but they get the job done for most wanting a dependable option. They come in a few colors for people to be a bit picky about.

A complaint people have had about KSwiss shoes in the past has been searching to get the perfect fit. The great news about the Hypercourt Supreme is that they fit true to size, and have a medium width and medium arch.

This is truly a shoe designed to cater towards many different types of players, and it is one worth trying out in person to see exactly the difference it makes.

Pros

  • Solid amount of support and stability
  • Middle of the road fit works for different types of feet
  • Numerous color choices

Cons

  • While lightweight, they still feel a little heavy compared to the rest of the list
  • Ankle collar might be too high for some

Our Top Pick

In a bit of an upset pick, the best lightweight tennis shoe on the market when it comes to value for money, is the Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 3s.

This is the case because there isn’t that big of an upgrade between the three and four, but the three is at a discounted price at most retailers. A person really isn’t sacrificing much by going with the older model, as long as they enjoy the style and color choices.

They are extremely lightweight, allow people to play at an extremely high level, and have more durability than many expect out of a lightweight. It is in the budget of many players, and some smart individuals are loading up before they sell out.


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